Re: Is the Canon EOS 60D a good camera by today's standards?

Waddizzle — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 12:18:42 GMT

@hashmifernandes wrote:
I am in the market to buy my first DSLR and I've found a Canon EOS 60D that comes with a 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens for fairly cheap ($350) on craigslist, but I wonder if this camera is still worth the buy.
Primary uses I would like out of it will be nature pictures, maybe some night shots of the sky/moon and I might want to try doing some short videos as well.
Being new to photography, I don't know much about it and would like to know other photographers opinions of the camera. The general feel I get from reading reviews is that the camera is good (back in 2011) but the lens brings about pain.
Let me know what you guys think, thanks in advance!

It is craigslist. You will be taking a chance, without much of a guarantee. It might be good, and it might not. I do not advise buying used camera gear without getting a hands-on inspection, or at least a guarantee from a reputable camera vendor.

I have bought used gear from a couple of major online retailers. They typically offer a 30 day guarantee on used gear. I have found that retailers have rating systems for used gear. I think KEH has the most conservative ratings for used gear. They also have pretty good service AFTER the sale.

But, a guarantee is not the same as a warranty, most especially one backed up by Canon. You may want to pay a visit to the Canon Online Refurbished Store. You can buy factory certified, refurbished cameras and lenses that come with a a FULL ONE YEAR warranty, just like new gear would. If you are on a tight budget, and not familiar with DSLRs, this is where I would advise you to make your first purchase.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-interchangeable-lens-cameras

As for the 60D, it is an older camera body with a history of pros and cons. Until you are more familiar with DSLRs I would not recommend purchasing a used camera and/or lens that you cannot hold in your hands and test. Even if you could hold that offered camera in your hands, do you know what to look for? No, and that is my point.

There are a host of things that should be tested and checked when buying a used camera, that you really need a detailed checklist to do a good job of it. For example, besdies taking photos, does the flash shoe work, and is it fully functional? All of these tests are performed by the major retailers of used gear and, of course, by the Canon Refurbished factory.

Re: Is the Canon EOS 60D a good camera by today's standards?

Tronhard — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 19:16:08 GMT

I am seeing two copies of this post so I am duplicating my response to the first one onto this thread.:

Hi Hamish, and welcome to the forum!

I have three of the Canon 60D bodies and personally find them to be excellent cameras. I have the 80D, 7D and 7DII yet I still love using the 60D. For a first DSLR I think it would be an excellent and quality camera to learn on.

As with any second hand camera I would suggest ensuring the vendor is reputable and what they say about the camera (condition etc) is liable to relied upon. Second I would find out how many shutter actuations this camera has had and of course ask if it and lens have had any problems. Do they offer a money back period if you find an issue? I did a quick check on Craigslist (not knowing exactly where you live - but I am in NZ) and found a 60D in San Dema California for sale by someone called Kim. They were selling their 60D with a shutter count of around 3329. Is that the one you are referring to?

Regarding the 18-135 lens. I have a couple of the Canon EF-S 18-135 IS STM units and find that model to be an excellent walk-around lend. Their popularity as a kit lens is testament to their value for money. For a starter kit I would think that, as long as the price is reasonable and you researched other options, it would be a good combination to start with.

You could spend more money and get better gear, but frankly the combination you have, if the price is right is an awesome starter kit.

This is a photo, taken hand-held under far from ideal lighting conditionas of quite dim lighting of a Maori Kapa Haka performer, taken with exactly this combination of gear. 115mm, 1/100sec, f5.6, ISO-400

Same gear, another type of subject.

My great newphew looking a bit serious about having his photo taken!

Finally a close-up shot...

These are all hand-held with available light, and using the body+lens combo.

So that is an idea of some of the capabilities of the camera combination. The rest is up to your developing skills!

@hashmifernandes wrote:
I am in the market to buy my first DSLR and I've found a Canon EOS 60D that comes with a 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens for fairly cheap ($350) on craigslist, but I wonder if this camera is still worth the buy.
Primary uses I would like out of it will be nature pictures, maybe some night shots of the sky/moon and I might want to try doing some short videos as well.
Being new to photography, I don't know much about it and would like to know other photographers opinions of the camera. The general feel I get from reading reviews is that the camera is good (back in 2011) but the lens brings about pain.
Let me know what you guys think, thanks in advance!

topic Re: Is the Canon EOS 60D a good camera by today's standards? in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Re: Is the Canon EOS 60D a good camera by today's standards?

Re: Is the Canon EOS 60D a good camera by today's standards?